What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal screw that replaces an entire tooth. In a simple surgical procedure, the dentist inserts an implant into the bone beneath your gums, in the spot where the tooth used to be. The implant acts like a natural tooth root and is finished with a restoration such as a dental crown, making it look and feel just like a real tooth.
Getting dental implants is a significant decision. You might be considering an implant but are unsure about what to expect. We explain everything here so you can make an informed decision about your dental treatment.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth support the shape and height of your smile, helping you eat and speak comfortably. A gap in your smile can cause your other teeth to shift out of healthy alignment, leading to potential oral health issues. Losing just one tooth can set off a chain of events that negatively affects your oral health, the appearance of your face, and your overall quality of life.
Even if you don’t notice immediate effects from missing teeth, there is one unavoidable issue: bone resorption. This is a natural process where your body breaks down non essential bone tissue to use the minerals elsewhere in your body.
When you have teeth, they push against the jawbone, stimulating the production of new bone tissue. Without teeth, the bone tissue slowly dissolves because it no longer serves a purpose. This leads to a shortened jaw and chin, causing wrinkles and making your cheeks and lips appear sunken.
Dental implants are the closest thing to having natural teeth. They prevent or correct the issues mentioned above by replacing lost teeth with implants.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can be distressing. A missing tooth can make you feel self conscious about your smile and may lead to several health problems. Gaps in your teeth can make your bite uncomfortable, create difficulties eating your favourite foods, and may result in bone loss or shifting teeth.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth. They are custom made to blend in with your smile, with the right size, shape, and colour to match your unique bite and enamel colour.
- Feel Confident in Your Comfort: When a dental implant is placed, your jawbone fuses with the titanium post as it heals. A crown or bridge can be permanently attached to the post, or the implant can support implant supported dentures. One thing is for certain: your dental implant will stay in place. You can laugh, smile, and eat your favourite foods without worrying about shifting teeth or sudden pain.
- Improve Bone Strength: When teeth are lost, the bone that supports them can weaken over time. Dental implants stimulate new bone growth around the implant, strengthening the bone structure. With proper care, dental implants provide a long term solution that feels natural and lasts for decades.
Dental Implant Restorations
A restoration is the “false tooth” that covers the implant. The implant itself is hidden beneath your gums, while the restoration makes it look like you have a new tooth.
- Dental Crown: This is the most common implant restoration, and it covers a single tooth implant.
- Dental Bridge: A bridge spans the gap where multiple teeth are missing. You can replace several teeth with just one or two implants that support a dental bridge. A full implant supported bridge replaces an entire arch of upper or lower teeth using four or more implants.
- Implant Denture: A removable denture can be stabilized by clipping it onto two small implants.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Your smile will be significantly improved after getting a dental implant. Dental implants are easy to maintain. Simply brush and floss your implant daily and protect it from injury during sports. Visit us periodically for checkups to ensure your implant stays healthy.
In return, your dental implant could reward you with many years of strong, happy, and beautiful smiles!
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How It Feels
Although having a metal implant inserted into your mouth sounds painful, the procedure is much more comfortable than you might expect!
We will numb the area with a mild anaesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. Advanced dental technology allows us to place implants quickly, accurately, and with minimal disruption. This means less discomfort and a quicker recovery for you.
Some implant patients report feeling relaxed or even sleepy during the brief half hour it takes to place their implant. The most uncomfortable part might be holding your mouth open, but that’s about it.
It is normal to experience mild swelling, discomfort, and bruising in the hours following the procedure. However, the pain is generally easy to manage. We will provide specific instructions so you can minimize discomfort before the anaesthetic wears off. Your surgical implant site should start feeling better within a week.
It may help to know that dental implants have a success rate of approximately 95%. It is one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The actual implant placement process is much more comfortable than you might imagine.
Assessment:
First, you’ll have a consultation to determine if implants are right for you. Your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone beam CT scan of your jaw to assess the bone tissue and plan your treatment. The dental team will also take a scan or impression of your teeth to plan the placement angle for the implant.
Inserting the Implant:
We will administer anaesthesia to numb the surgical site. The dentist will create a small hole in your gums and jawbone to place the implant post. Sutures may be needed to close the gums.
Finalizing the Restoration:
After a few months of healing, you’ll return to the practice, where we’ll have your restoration ready. We will place the restoration, and you will leave with a fully functional tooth.
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to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost of Dental Implants in Dundas
In Dundas, a single implant typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000+. Full mouth reconstructive dental implants can range from $6,000 to $60,000 or more. The cost of a full set of implant supported dentures averages around $30,000. Keep in mind that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. The dental implant procedure is complex, and its cost depends on many factors unique to each individual.
How Is the Cost of Dental Implant Surgery Determined?
Several factors affect the cost of dental implant surgery:
- The type and number of implants you need.
- The materials and supplies used.
- The time and expertise of the dental team.
- The complexity of the surgery and location.
- Your recovery time and support required.
Every case is different, so it’s essential to consult with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to evaluate your situation and provide treatment options. We would be happy to give you a more accurate quote after reviewing your specific needs.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
A dental bridge can sometimes replace one to three missing teeth. For multiple missing teeth on the upper or lower arch, a dental prosthetic or removable dentures may be used. When comparing dental implants to other tooth replacement options, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Dental implants might require a larger initial investment but they are more secure and durable than bridges or dentures. Removable dental prosthetics require ongoing maintenance and may need adjustments or replacements over time. By contrast, dental implants require only routine care at home and regular dental exams. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
No one will ever know you have dental implants. The implants are made of metal screws that are hidden beneath your gums and covered with restorations that blend in with the rest of your smile.
Dentures and implants serve different purposes. Dentures rest on top of your gums and press down on the underlying bone tissue, while implants strengthen your bite by being anchored below the gums. Both options have their pros and cons, so we recommend scheduling an appointment to find out which treatment is best for you.
For those who aren’t candidates for implants, dental bridges and full or partial dentures may be suitable alternatives. Contact us to schedule an appointment, and we can discuss all your options in detail.
To qualify for dental implants, you need to be an adult with good general oral health. Your jawbone must be strong enough to support the implant, and your gums must be healthy to reduce complications. If you have concerns, call us for a consultation. In many cases, there are treatment options available to restore your oral health and prepare you for dental implants.
Yes! Your dental implant restoration, whether it’s a crown, bridge, or implant supported dentures, will be custom made to match your existing teeth in shape, size, and colour. Most patients have a hard time telling the difference between their natural teeth and their implants.
The dental implant procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible. With proper anaesthesia and advanced techniques, you will experience minimal discomfort. After the procedure, we will provide you with instructions for post care to ensure a smooth recovery.
Most patients can return to work the day after their implant surgery. Depending on the specifics of your treatment, we will provide you with an accurate time estimate and let you know if you should adjust your schedule.
Dental implants need to be maintained regularly, just like natural teeth. We recommend a check up every six months, but we may adjust this schedule depending on your needs.
Caring for dental implants is just like caring for natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly, schedule cleanings and checkups, and let your doctor know if you experience any issues.
No, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Once you get an implant, it is meant to stay with you for many years.
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